The Elephant....
an enigmatic animal symbolising strength, wisdom, prosperity and loyalty has been portrayed in many art mediums throughout history, including the ancient art of tattoo. The experience of observing elephants in the wild or volunteering to help benefit elephants (captive or wild) can be a life changing event for many, one they want to commit to memory. Elephants and tattoos may seem an unlikely pairing but in some cases they go 'trunk and hand'. Tattoos are often much more than pretty pictures. The thought that goes into them and what they symbolize for the wearer make tattoos talismans which can declare love, protect, inspire confidence and even help to heal emotional or physical wounds. Getting tattooed is a rite of passage. A tattoo can commemorate an important journey or experience in one's life. I am a passion driven tattoo artist who had everything. But - I decided to give it all up to move to the opposite side of the world, live in a small bamboo hut and devote my life to caring for captive elephants - as a volunteer - for more than 13 years. For the first few years, I only tattooed when I made my yearly trip back to Michigan and my tattoo shop, Ink for Life. But while working for the elephants, I met many people who had tattoos or were interested in them. When it came up in conversations that I was a tattoo artist, there were many a request for elephant related tattoos. As much as I loved my new life of living outdoors and doing manual labour, I did miss tattooing! When I returned from my next visit to USA, my tattoo equipment came back with me. Since then I have tattooed elephant lovers from many countries as well as a handful of mahouts. All over Asia, mahout traditions are dying out. For the majority of men and boys who work with this emotionally complex endangered species, being a mahout is just a job. To find a mahout who really cares and has a bond with the elephant he looks after is sadly a rare thing. When I observed mahouts who were patient and kind with the elephants in their care, I offered to give them a tattoo of said elephant as a gift. The look of pride on their face when gazing in the mirror at the finished product was priceless. To get an indelible image of 'their' elephant emblazoned on their flesh, was true declaration of dedication. That elephant would now be with them wherever they went - never forgotten, always a reminder of the unlikely relationship between our two species. Individuals with a desire to learn more about Asian and African Elephants and help look after their needs, journey from all corners of the globe to volunteer at many far flung places around the world. During their stay people often fall in love with the amazing elephants who reside there, leaving a piece of their heart behind when they leave. The experience one has while spending their days working for elephants can often inspire the desire to acquire an indelible image of the pachyderms whose stories and personalities captivated them. By doing this, one does not just leave a piece of their heart, but takes a keepsake with them as well. Not only does the tattoo offer a lasting memory, it also acts as a vehicle for raising awareness regarding the Elephant's plight. Tattoos are often conversation starters. If asked about their elephant tattoo, the wearer can share their elephant knowledge and personal experience. As a result, elephant inspired tattoos can be powerful tools which help to educate scores of interested individuals, who are willing to listen. There are many elephants who could tell quite a story if they could speak our language. Still, their tales do unfold; told by their handicaps, scars, body language and especially their eyes. Through careful observation we can learn their stories, if we take the time to do so. Elephants are similar to humans in many ways. Some are more sensitive than others by nature. Some are more resilient, more forgiving. Many captive elephants have been victims of abuse; some have been able to recover from those past traumas. A few are emotionally damaged beyond repair. I have known elephants that are blind or have severe physical handicaps who were amazing examples of perseverance, acceptance and forgiveness. Their stories can give us humans a clearer perspective on our own circumstances, helping us to realize that things may not be as bad as they seem. We can learn from them that despite all obstacles, we must keep pushing forward. Some resilient elephants have deeply affected many who have met them, often bringing them to tears. As a result, their images have been inked into the skins of numerous admirers. Through the people who chose to get a tattoo to honour them, these elephants travel the world as icons - not being ridden, but riding - upon the shoulders, arms, feet and other body parts of those who committed to wearing their image proudly, sharing elephant tales of sadness, strength, recovery and freedom .... for the rest of their lives.
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AuthorMy name is Jodi. I am an Artist, Vegan, Activist, Nature Worshipper, Animal Lover, Idea Person, Strategist, Writer, Intuitive, Empath and Mom. Life can be exciting and complicated. I am easily distracted by horizons filled with fantastic mountains and cloud formations. Archives
March 2018
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#elephants #artists #vegan #mixed media #art therapy #animal activism
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